High Ceilings and Collarbones Decca****

A Spanish singer-songwriter who performs in English, Juan Zelada has been more or less adopted by BBC Radio 2. It's not hard to see the appeal: his heady mix of pop, soul and blues is underpinned by a magnificent vocal delivery, and early on in this beguiling collection he shows just how adept he is at artful song construction with the beautiful B reakfast in Spitalfields. On album highlight Elsewhere he comes across like David Gray on steroids and works his voice like it's plasticine to be moulded. There's much to admire: The Boy with the Televisionon is Paul Simon-esque in its execution, while Don't You Hold Me Downbrings out the showman in Zelada. There's a very particular type of talent on display here, and with his vocal flexibility and strength Zelada can make even the odd longueur sound interesting. He's destined for crossover appeal – keep your ears open for him. juanzelada.com

Download tracks: Breakfast in Spitalfields, Elsewhere